Mixing tool

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides devices and methods for mixing a formulation containing two or more constituents, such as a drug product and a diluent. The devices have a chamber for securing a container of the drug product. Various embodiments are presented. In one embodiment the device has two or more sides connected by a hinge, the two or more sides defining the chamber between them, and a handle for grasping and manipulating the device. In another embodiment the device has a housing with two or more side bars defining the chamber, the container being visible from outside the housing between the side bars and having a stopping element at the distal end, and a handle having two arms for grasping.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisonal application60/914,470, filed Apr. 27, 2007

TECHNICAL FIELD

Tools for mixing drug formulations

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The preparation of a drug formulation for injection often requires theuser to mix a drug with a diluent immediately prior to injection. Thismixing step is a requirement for drugs known to have a relatively shortshelf life in solution. For example, a drug comprising microspheresgenerally requires mixing with a diluent before administration. The drymicrospheres of the drug are initially contained in a sealed vial, andthe diluent is transferred from a syringe to the vial via an adaptor,which acts as a coupler between the syringe and the vial. With thediluent and microspheres in the vial, the user is directed to shake thesyringe/vial adaptor/vial assembly (e.g., for approximately thirtyseconds) to resuspend the microspheres in the diluent. The drugformulation can then be collected by syringe in the assembly andadministered subcutaneously via a needle injection.

The mixing step is a critical step in the drug preparation that can bedifficult for some patients to execute properly or efficiently.Generally, the syringe, vial adaptor, and vial are individually sealedbut packaged together in a kit. Once the patient puts the syringe/vialadaptor/vial assembly together, the components cannot be separated untilthe product is mixed. Removing any of the components from the assemblyprior to shaking exposes the contents of the vial to the ambientsurrounding. Additionally, the assembly process creates a permanent holein the vial seal through which the vial contents can leak out. Thesealed assembly can be difficult to handle, and the duration andvigorousness of the shaking required for mixing can be difficult forsome patients, especially those with arthritis or limitedmobility/strength in their hands and arms. Furthermore, because the vialin the assembly typically constitutes one or more effective doses of thedrug, a vial mistakenly dropped or damaged during the mixing step can bevery costly to the user.

A variety of mixing devices for drug/diluent formulations have beenproposed to facilitate the mixing of a drug and diluent in a sealed,sterile environment. One type of device utilizes a dual-compartmentsyringe. One compartment of the syringe contains the diluent, and theother compartment contains the drug. The sidewall of the syringecontains a groove just forward of the stopper between the chambers. As aplunger is pushed through the syringe, the groove allows fluid to leakinto the drug chamber. The drug and diluent are combined as the fluidfrom the diluent chamber enters the drug chamber, and then the injectionis administered. The disadvantages of this method include use of anon-custom syringe and an often insufficient physical mixing of the drugand diluent.

Another device utilizes a “bottomless vial” concept for mixing drugswith diluents before administration. This concept requires the drugmanufacturer to place a drug inside a bottomless vial. A secondbottomless vial filled with a liquid diluent is connected adjacent tothe bottomless vial containing the drug. By creating pressure in theliquid diluent vial with a plunger, the fluid is transferred into thedrug vial. The plunger is then disconnected from the diluent vial andre-attached to the vial now containing drug and diluent. A needle isalso attached to the drug/diluent vial and after mixing, an injection isadministered. The disadvantages of this method include the use ofnon-custom vials, a possible exposure of the drug/diluent to theenvironment, and manipulation steps which may be burdensome to someusers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides devices and methods for mixing aformulation containing two or more constituents, such as a drugcomposition and a diluent to solubiilze the drug for injection into apatient. The constituents can also be two or more liquids, or acombination of liquids and solids or semi-solid materials (e.g., alyophilized product), etc. Other aspects of the invention providemethods for mixing two constituents using a device.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a device for mixing aformulation. The device has two or more sides that are connected by ahinge and having an open position and a closed position, the two or moresides defining a chamber between them for securing a container when thesides are in the closed position. When the device is in the openposition a container can be placed into the chamber. The device also hasa handle connected to at least one of the two or more sides formanipulation of the device after insertion of the container. In oneembodiment the device has a container present within the chamber. Thecontainer can be a vial containing a drug and/or a diluent, and asyringe can be present inserted into the vial. In one embodiment thechamber has an opening, or an at least partially transparent portion,through which the container is visible from the exterior of the device.The chamber can be sized and shaped to secure the container. By “sizedand shaped” is meant that the chamber has dimensions that conform to theshape of the container contemplated for use with the device. When acontainer is placed in a chamber that is “sized and shaped” to thecontainer, the container lies in the chamber securely and does notsubstantially move within the chamber. The container can be a vial. By“vial” is meant a small closed or sealable vessel for containing acomposition. The composition can be in any form, for example a powder,crystal, liquid, or semi-liquid. In one embodiment the composition is aconstituent of a drug product. The drug product can be a composition forinjection into a patient. By “secure” the container is meant that whenthe container is in the chamber and the device is in the closedposition, the container does not substantially move in response tomanipulation of the device. Rather the motion of the device istranslated into movement of the composition within the container. In oneembodiment the movement of the container within the chamber is less thanor equal to 2 mm when the device is manipulated. In other embodimentsthe movement of the container within the chamber is less than 3 mm or 5mm when the device is manipulated. In one embodiment a syringe is astandard medical use syringe for injecting formulations into a patient,and the syringe has a needle for piercing the skin, a lumen for storingformulation for injection, and a plunger for expelling formulation fromthe lumen of the syringe.

In one embodiment the two or more sides are two opposing sides movableabout the hinge from the open to the closed position. In one embodimentthe hinge separates the two sides at an angle of up to 180 degrees. Thechamber can be sized and shaped to accommodate a vial having a stopperto prevent the spilling of liquids from the vial, and/or an adaptor. Thetwo or more sides can also be present as trays for securing thecontainer in the device. The adaptor allows the insertion and connectionof a syringe to the vial so that liquid can pass from the syringe to thevial without leakage of liquid. The container can be a vial and thechamber can be sized and shaped to secure the container and the syringe.

In another aspect the invention provides a device having a housing withtwo or more side bars defining a chamber for securing a containerinside. The container can be visible from outside the housing betweentwo side rails of the device. The chamber has a proximal and a distalend, and a stopping element at the distal end and is open on theproximal end. The stopping element provides a distal end of the chamberand prevents the container from being inserted any further into thechamber. The device can also have a handle comprising two arms that areconnected to the chamber on the open end. The container can be insertedinto the chamber through the open end between the two arms. In oneembodiment the device has a container within the chamber. In otherembodiments the container can be a vial containing a drug product. Asyringe having a plunger can be inserted into the vial. The plunger ofthe syringe can extend from the open and proximal end of the chamber. Inone embodiment the device has a housing with four side bars. But inother embodiments the housing has three side bars, or has two side barsthat are of sufficient width to retain the container within the chamber.In other embodiments the housing has more than four side bars. In oneembodiment the side bars lie parallel to each other. In one embodimentof the device the container is visible within the chamber between two ormore of the side bars.

In another aspect the invention provides a device having a first memberand a second member, the first member containing two or more prongsextending from a base on the first member and the second membercontaining two or more tubes extending from a base on the second member.The device has a first open position where the two members areseparated, and a second closed position where the prongs and tubes arefitted together in a complementary fashion to form a chamber within forsecuring a container. The tubes can define the lateral boundaries of thechamber. In one embodiment the container is a vial, which can also havean inserted syringe having a plunger for expelling material from thesyringe. The plunger of the syringe can protrude from an end of thedevice when the container and syringe are present in the chamber and thedevice is in the closed position. In one embodiment the container isvisible between the tubes of the device when the device is in the secondposition. The chamber can be substantially tubular in shape.

In another embodiment when the device is in the second closed positionthe prongs abut against the base of the second member, and the tubesabut against the base of the first member.

In another aspect the present invention provides methods of mixing aformulation. The methods involve placing the formulation into acontainer, inserting the container into a device as described above,placing the device into the closed position, and shaking the device tomix the formulation. In one embodiment the placing the formulation intothe container involves injecting a diluent into the container with asyringe.

In another aspect the invention provides methods of preparing aformulation. The methods involve placing the formulation into acontainer, inserting the container into a device as described above, andshaking the device to prepare the formulation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 exhibits a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 exhibits a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 exhibits a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 exhibits a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 exhibits a component of a device according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 exhibits a component of a device according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a device that addresses thedifficulty users have during the preparation of an active agent foradministration. Embodiments generally provide a tool for facilitatingthe mixing of a formulation containing two or more components, such as adrug with a diluent, two liquids, a liquid and a solid or semi-solidmaterial (e.g., a lyophilized product), or combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the device facilitates the resuspension of microspheres in adiluent. Embodiments of the invention also generally provide anergonomic handle to facilitate a shaking motion of the device by theuser.

Generally, embodiments of the invention provide a device comprising achamber and a handle connected to the chamber. In embodiments, thechamber comprises a housing having walls that define a lumen. In oneembodiment, the chamber consists of a tubular lumen, or a lumen with acircular or elliptical cross-section. In other embodiments, the chamberis tubular for a portion of its length. Embodiments include a stoppingelement at one end of the chamber. In embodiments, the chamber is openon the end opposite to the end with the stopping element, such that acontainer is capable of being inserted into the chamber through the openend. The stopping element includes any member connected to the chamberthat is capable of stopping a container from passing through the chamberpast the stopping element at a stopping point. In one embodiment, thestopping element can be a polymer cap affixed to one end of the chamber.In another embodiment, the stopping element can be one or moreprotruding members extending into the chamber lumen. In yet anotherembodiment, the stopping element can be provided by a tapered chamberlumen with a smaller inner diameter at the stopping point than the innerdiameter at the open end.

A handle is capable of being connected to or integrated with the chamberin some embodiments of the invention. One embodiment consists of anergonomic handle comprising first and second opposing surfaces. In suchan embodiment, at least one of the opposing surfaces is movable from afirst position to a second position in which the first opposing surfaceis brought closer to the second opposing surface. The handle can beconstructed with similar materials which comprise the chamber, but isnot limited to materials used in the construction of the chamber. Inembodiments, at least a portion of the handle is movable from a firstposition to a second position such that the open end of the attachablechamber remains open when the handle is in a first position, and thecontainer inserted in the chamber is capable of being restrained whenthe handle is in a second position. In one embodiment, a containerinserted in the chamber is restrained when the opposing surfaces aremoved to a position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Inanother embodiment, the opposing surfaces of the handle can bereversibly locked when moved from a first position to a second position.In such an embodiment, the handle may be locked using a clamp. Anotherembodiment would allow a user to release tension from the handle andstill restrain a container in the chamber of the device. To preventaccidental dropping, embodiments of the device may also include a wristwrap to secure the grip of a user holding the handle. Furthermore, invarious embodiments, the handle can include features such as ribs toassist with handling. Additionally, in other embodiments the handle canhave a contour which conforms the fingers of a human hand to furtherassist with handling.

The devices provided by embodiments of the present invention secure andrestrain the syringe/vial adaptor/vial apparatus within the mixing tool.The vial, and hence its contents, is generally positioned within themixing tool such that it is exposed to the maximum amount of mixingmotion. In one embodiment, a vial containing a mixture of diluent andmicrospheres is physically located in a chamber at a distal end of themixing tool. The distal end of the device is exposed to the largestmomentum changes when shaking the tool, thus facilitating mixing of themicrospheres and diluent.

The device of the present invention may be manufactured by plasticinjection molding as a continuous body or as individual parts which canbe assembled. In some embodiments, the device can be manufactured as apackaging unit for a drug and diluent which can be opened and closed ina clamshell configuration. In such embodiments, the device may beconstructed using any suitable manufacturing methodology, such as vacuumthermoforming to create a continuous body capable of holding anpre-packaged apparatus comprising a vial with one or more drugs, a vialadapter, and a syringe with a diluent. These embodiments could be madefrom a semi-transparent material, such as PETG, that would allowadequate visibility of the tray contents while the tray is in the closedconfiguration. In another embodiment, the housing of the devicecomprises a cage consisting of a tubular lumen and one or more slidingmembers for at least a portion of its length. The cage in thisembodiment can serve as a housing for a vial-syringe assembly. In suchan embodiment, a handle comprising a sleeve can be configured to slideover the cage. The handle can slide over a portion of the cage andbecome reversibly locked. In another embodiment, the handle can comprisea tube which is configured to slide onto the housing, which comprises atubular lumen of a smaller diameter than the lumen of the handle. Otherembodiments can include a chamber lumen designed to hold pens, otherreconstitution containers, or various configurations of vial/vialadapter/syringe combinations.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a composite housing having afirst section and a second section fitting together in a complementaryfashion to form a chamber for containing a container-syringe assembly.The housing sections can be affixed together in a closed configurationby a pin and hole arrangement, by snap-fitting, or by other suitablemechanisms know in the art. In one aspect, the chamber is tubular,optionally, with a larger cross section at one end that an other to forma gripping section. When the device is in a closed configuration, a usercan grip the gripping section.

Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for using thedescribed devices to physically mix two compositions such a as a drugand a diluent. In one embodiment, an apparatus containing a drug anddiluent is placed and secured within the mixing tool A user then grabsthe handle, and shakes the mixing tool, causing the apparatus with drugand diluent to be shaken simultaneously and consistently. The device ofthe present invention can be used in any delivery system that requireshandling of an apparatus consisting of two or more compositions to bephysically mixed. Embodiments may be used to physically mix twocompositions such as two liquids, a liquid and a solid or a semi-solidmaterial, or a liquid and a lypholized product. In one embodiment, theinvention provides a method for mixing a first solution with a secondsolution or with a solid or semi-solid material, comprising inserting acontainer comprising the first solution and the second solution or solidor semi-solid material in a device comprising a chamber and handle,restraining the container in the chamber by moving the handle to thesecond position holding the handle after moving the handle to the secondposition; and shaking the apparatus in the chamber by shaking thehandle. Some embodiments of the device may be capable of being heldwithout the presence of a handle. In such embodiments, a user is capableof holding a distal end of the device away from the inserted containercomprising the first solution and second solution, solid, or semi-solidmaterial

FIG. 1 provides an illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment the device includes a housing 103. Thedevice contains a chamber 111 for securing a container inside. Sidebars109 define the space of the chamber 111. When the container is presentin the chamber 111 it is visible from the exterior of the device throughthe space 107 between the sidebars 109. The device contains an open end105 and a stopping element 104 that supports the container in thechamber and stops it from being further introduced into the chamber. Thehousing 103 is rigidly connected to a handle 101 that has two arms 113.The container is inserted into the device through the open end 105located between the two arms 113. In the embodiment depicted the devicecontains four sidebars 109.

FIG. 2 provides an illustration of an embodiment of the device of theinvention showing a side view. There is visible the housing 103 andwindow 107 allowing viewing of the chamber 111. The stopping element 104is also visible, and the open end 105. In this Figure is shown apre-packaged apparatus consisting of a syringe 201, having a plunger209, and a vial adapter 203, and a vial 205 is inserted into the housing103. When both arms of the handle are compressed according to adirection 207, the syringe 201, vial adapter 203, and vial 205 arerestrained in the housing 103. In different embodiments, the housing 103has a diameter of about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, and the wallsof the housing 103 have a thickness of about 0.1 inches to about 0.3inches. In one embodiment, the diameter of the housing 103 is 0.5inches, and the walls of the housing 103 have a thickness of 0.125inches. Also in various embodiments the length of the device 200 can befrom about 3.5 inches to about 15 inches. In one embodiment, the lengthof the device 200 is about 10 inches.

With reference to FIG. 3 there is depicted an embodiment of the device300 of the invention. The device 300 includes two or more sides 303 thatare connected by a hinge 309. The device is depicted in an openposition. In the closed position the sides 303 define a chamber 311between them for securing a container, such as a vial. The device alsocontains a handle 305 that is easy to grasp when the device is in theclosed position. In this embodiment the side of the device pivots 180°about the hinge 309 to form an enclosed chamber in a closedconfiguration. In this depiction a container is present within thechamber 311 as a pre-packaged apparatus consisting of a syringe 201having a plunger 209, a vial adapter 203, and a vial 205. When thedevice 300 is moved to the closed position, the syringe 201, vialadapter 203, and vial 205 are secured within the housing 301. In oneembodiment, the handle 305 in a closed configuration can be used tostore components accompanying a vial/syringe assembly, such as gauze,pre-packaged needles, or other materials useful for the operation of thedevice or use of the composition present in the container.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the device in the closedposition. The device has a handle 305 that is easy to grasp when thedevice is in the closed position. There is depicted within the device apre-packaged apparatus consisting of a syringe 201, a vial adapter 203,and a vial 205 secured within the housing 301. In one embodiment thediameter of the housing 301 is approximately 0.5 inches, the diameter ofthe handle 305 is approximately 1.5 inches, and the length of the device401 is approximately 10 inches. In the closed configuration of someembodiments, the handle 305 comprises a cylindrical cavity with adiameter of from approximately 1 inch to approximately 3 inches, and alength of from approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches. Thedevice has a length of from approximately 3.5 inches to approximately 15inches in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the length of the deviceis 9 inches.

With reference to FIG. 5 there is provided another embodiment of thedevice. In this embodiment the device has a first member 507 and asecond member 509. The first member 507 has two or more prongs 503 thatextend from a base 511 on the first member. The second member 509 hastwo or more tubes 501 that extend from a base 513 on the second member.The device is depicted in a partially open position. In the openposition the first and second members are separated. In the secondposition the prongs of the first member and the tubes of the secondmember are fitted together in a complementary manner to form a chamberwithin. In such embodiment the tubes 501 define the lateral boundariesof the chamber. The device is depicted with a prepackaged apparatuspresent within the chamber including a syringe 201 having a plunger 209,a vial adapter 203, and a vial 205 inserted into the chamber. In theclosed position the syringe 201, vial adapter 203, and vial 205 aresecured within the chamber. In the closed position the prongs abutagainst the base of the second member, and the tubes abut against thebase of the first member. In other embodiments the closed position isconfigured so that the base 511 on the first member and the base 513 onthe second member are drawn to within a convenient distance of oneanother and can be easily manipulated or shaken by the user. In suchembodiments the prongs may not abut against the base of the secondmember and the tubes may not abut against the base of the first member.In various embodiments the base on the first member and the base on thesecond member are drawn to within 6 inches of one another, or within 7inches of one another or within 8 inches of one another.

FIG. 6 provides another view of the device according to one embodimentof the present invention. A prepackaged apparatus including a syringe201, a vial adapter 203, and a vial 205 is inserted into the chamber.The tubes 501 are placed on the prongs 503 such that the syringe 201,vial adapter 203, and vial 205 are restrained within the chamber.

Embodiments for practicing the present invention have been described. Itwill be understood and readily apparent to the skilled artisan that manychanges and modifications may be made to the above-described embodimentswithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the presentinvention. The foregoing is illustrative only and that other embodimentsmay be employed without departing from the true scope of the inventiondefined in the following claims.

1. A device for mixing a formulation comprising; two or more sides thatare connected by a hinge and having an open position and a closedposition, the two or more sides defining a chamber between them forsecuring a container when the sides are in the closed position; a handleconnected to at least one of the two or more sides for manipulation ofthe device after insertion of the container.
 2. The device of claim 1,further comprising a container within the chamber; wherein the containercomprises a vial containing a drug and a diluent, and wherein a syringeis inserted into the vial.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the chambercomprises an opening or an at least partially transparent portionthrough which the container is visible, and the chamber is sized andshaped to secure the container.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the twoor more sides comprise two opposing sides movable about the hinge fromthe open to the closed position.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein thechamber is shaped to accommodate a vial having an adaptor, and a syringeinserted into the adaptor.
 6. The device of claim 2 wherein thecontainer is a vial and the chamber is sized and shaped to secure thecontainer and the syringe.
 7. A device comprising: a housing comprisingtwo or more side bars defining a chamber for securing a containerinside, the container visible from outside the housing between two sidebars; the chamber having a stopping element at one end and being open onthe opposite end; a handle comprising two arms and connected to thechamber on the open end, the container insertable into the chamberbetween the two arms.
 8. The device of claim 7 further comprising acontainer within the chamber; wherein the container comprises a vialcontaining a drug and wherein a syringe comprising a plunger is insertedinto the vial, the plunger of the syringe extending from the open end ofthe chamber.
 9. The device of claim 7 wherein the housing comprises fourside bars.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the container is visiblewithin the chamber between the side bars.
 11. A device comprising afirst member and a second member, the first member containing two ormore prongs extending from a base on the first member and the secondmember containing two or more tubes extending from a base on the secondmember, the device comprising a first open position where the twomembers are separated, and a second closed position where the prongs andtubes are fitted together in a complementary manner to form a chamberfor securing a container, the tubes comprising the lateral boundaries ofthe chamber.
 12. The device of claim 11 comprising a container in thechamber, said container is a vial and further comprises a syringe with aplunger, the syringe inserted into the vial, and wherein the plunger ofthe syringe protrubes from an end of the device when the container andsyringe are present in the chamber and the device is in the closedposition.
 13. The device of claim 11 further wherein the container is avial and is present inside the chamber, the vial further comprising asyringe inserted into the vial.
 14. The device of claim 11 wherein thecontainer is visible between the tubes of the device when the device isin the second position.
 15. The device of claim 11 wherein the chamberis substantially tubular.
 16. The device of claim 11 wherein, when thedevice is in the second closed position the prongs abut against the baseof the second member, and the tubes abut against the base of the firstmember.
 17. A method of mixing a formulation comprising: placing theformulation into a container; inserting the container into a devicecomprising two or more sides that are connected by a hinge and having anopen position and a closed position, the two or more sides defining achamber between them for securing a container when the sides are in theclosed position; a handle connected to at least one of the two or moresides for manipulation of the device after insertion of the container.placing the device into the closed position; shaking the device to mixthe formulation.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein placing theformulation into the container comprises injecting a diluent into thecontainer with a syringe.
 19. A method of preparing a formulationcomprising placing the formulation into a container; inserting thecontainer into a device comprising a housing comprising two or more sidebars defining a chamber for securing a container inside, the containervisible from outside the housing between two side rails; the chamberhaving a stopping element at one end and being open on the opposite end;a handle comprising two arms and connected to the chamber on the openend, the container insertable into the chamber between the two arms; andshaking the device to prepare the formulation.
 20. The method of claim19 wherein placing the formulation in the container comprises injectinga diluent into the container with a syringe.
 21. A method of preparing aformulation comprising placing the formulation into a container;inserting the container into a device comprising a first member and asecond member, the first member containing two or more prongs extendingfrom a base on the first member and the second member containing two ormore tubes extending from a base on the second member; the devicecomprising a first open position where the two members are separated,and a second closed position where the prongs and tubes are fittedtogether in a complementary fashion to form a chamber for securing acontainer, the tubes comprising the lateral boundaries of the chamber;and shaking the device to prepare the formulation.
 22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein placing the formulation into the container comprisesinjecting a diluent into the container with a syringe.